See a clinician promptly for diagnosis and a treatment plan
During a flare, start gout medication as prescribed (common options: NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids)
Rest the affected joint and avoid weight-bearing when possible
Apply ice to the joint 10–20 minutes at a time several times daily
Stay hydrated (unless you have fluid restrictions)
Avoid alcohol, especially beer and spirits
Avoid purine-rich foods (organ meats, red meat, certain seafood like sardines/anchovies/mussels)
Limit high-fructose foods and drinks (soda, sweetened beverages, fruit juices)
Choose low-fat dairy and vegetables; prioritize whole grains and plant-based proteins
Maintain a healthy weight; avoid crash dieting and fasting
Manage triggers such as dehydration, illness, and strenuous exercise during flares
Review medications with a clinician (some can raise uric acid, e.g., certain diuretics)
If you have frequent flares, tophi, chronic gout, or kidney stones, ask about urate-lowering therapy (e.g., allopurinol or febuxostat)
If starting urate-lowering therapy, continue it long-term as directed and use flare prevention during the initial months (often low-dose colchicine or NSAID as prescribed)
Do not stop or change urate-lowering therapy without medical guidance
Monitor uric acid levels and adjust treatment to reach the target set by your clinician
If you have kidney disease or kidney stones, follow a kidney-focused diet plan and medication strategy with your clinician
Seek urgent care if the joint is hot with fever, severe pain, inability to move the joint, or symptoms suggest infection